About the Course This course is modeled after the renowned program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn (author of Wherever You Go, There You Are and Full Catastrophe Living) in 1979. Fascinated by the positive impacts of mindfulness meditation and yoga on health and well-being, he founded the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center where over 20,000 people have since benefited from the 8 week MBSR course.

What is MBSR? MBSR uses meditation, mindful movement and inquiry as a way of training people to relate differently to stresses in their lives. It was originally developed for patients in chronic pain, and for patients undergoing intensive treatments for cancer, AIDS and other serious illnesses, but has since expanded and been incorporated into the daily lives of thousands of people whether they are dealing with the serious stress of illness or simply the day to day pressures and anxieties of modern life.

Research over the past 32 years indicates that a majority of the people who complete this program report a greater ability to cope more effectively with short and long term stressful situations; an increased ability to relax; lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms; reduction in pain levels and enhanced ability to cope with chronic pain; and, most importantly, a greater energy and enthusiasm for life.

What to expect from the course

• Guided instruction in several meditation and mindful movement practices

• To become increasingly aware of the interplay of mind and body in health and illness, to improve resilience

This course is comprised of 8 weekly classes of 2-1/2 hours each and an all day class on a weekend day. In addition students are expected to commit to daily ongoing practice of up to one hour a day. This ongoing practice consists of formal mindfulness practices as well as informal practices - remembering to pay attention and be present to particular aspects of one's life each week.

Elaine Retholtz
Elaine Retholtz has been studying and practicing the Dharma for over 20 years, and has been teaching since 2004. In addition to teaching at NYI, she teaches Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and has a deep interest in helping students integrate mindfulness practice into daily life.

Ways to Give

Membership is an expression of mutual support whereby we are all given the chance to support and nurture a community that supports and nurtures each of us. Membership is vital to the sustainability of this center and community. We depend on member support to provide these life transforming teachings to all who seek them. Members nurture our welcoming and peaceful refuge in the heart of the city.

NYI is an almost entirely volunteer-run organization. To help deliver these programs, we have always relied heavily on a small but committed group of people. In return, theses dedicated individuals have the satisfaction of know NYI couldn’t exist without them. Offering service to New York Insight provides an invaluable way of strengthening your practice.

NYI is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. All proceeds from your donation go towards upholding our mission to provide these teachings to all those who seek them. Donations help support our modest operating costs, small staff and regular program offerings. We are committed to making our programs available to all and do not turn anyone away for lack of funds.

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About New York Insight

New York Insight is an urban center for the practice of mindful awareness, called Insight or Vipassana meditation. NYI programs include talks, weekly sittings and courses as well as daylong and weekend retreats and workshops for the integration of meditation teachings into daily life. NYI strives to be a center that reflects the vivid diversity of the city in which we live. Our center is a place where everyone of different ages, nationalities, cultures, languages, ethnicities, sexual orientation, and spiritual backgrounds is welcome to begin or deepen meditation practice based on the teachings of the Buddha.